The Digi-Table Method as a Tool for Reflecting on Research Ethics

"concepts and processes by means of a digitable. It is a tool for familiarizing users with complicated and complex issues, learning content, and addressing the more methodical aspects didactically. In this project, we have adapted the DTM for reflecting on research ethics, i.c. research with human beings and its ethical requirements and the review by the medical ethical review committee (MREC). A MREC reviews research proposals based on various (ethical) requirements and requires researchers to understand the ethical consequences and societal impact of their research. Before writing their own proposals, it is important for students to know and understand these ethical requirements and the process through which research proposals are reviewed. In order to train this, we prepared the digitable to simulate the review of a research protocol by an MREC and adapted it into an existing assignment on research ethics for master students. The students were informed of our aim and the use of DTM as an educational tool, and asked for consent. We invited them to critically assess the activity and we ensured participation would not influence their grade. The students reported a better understanding of the medical ethical review and felt it would improve their own work. From the educator’s perspective, the quality of argumentation of the review was much improved compared to previous years. The DTM as an educational tool is now a standard element in different master courses on scientific integrity. "

NITAZOXANIDE IN TREATMENT OF ROTAVIRUS DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN: A SINGLE CENTER STUDY

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: As Rota virus leads to significant morbidity in children 2 months to 5 years, this study was done to observe the effect of one dose of nitazoxanide on the total duration of rotavirus diarrhea. The primary objective was to evaluate the reduction in the mean duration of viral diarrhea in children after administration of first dose of Nitazoxanide. METHODLOGY: This descriptive study was done in the Department of Pediatric Medicine Unit I, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from Jan 2016 to June 2016 after approval from the ethical review committee. Sample size calculated was 175 using WHO sample size calculator. Patients of 4–5 years were given 200 mg nitazoxanide twice daily for 3 days; 100 mg nitazoxanide was given twice daily to 12–47 months age group, and patient of <12 months age were given 7.5 mg/kg twice day along with routine care and were followed 12 hourly till the passage of normally formed stools. Duration of diarrhea was recorded. RESULTS: Out of 175 cases, 58.9% (n=103) were between 2-36 months age while 41.2% (n=72) were 37-60 months age, mean+SD was calculated as 35.06+13.34 months, mean reduction in duration of rotavirus diarrhea in children after administration of first dose of Nitazoxanide was recorded as 32.85+2.32 hours. CONCLUSION: With the use of nitazoxanide along with routine care for rotavirus diarrhea children, the mean duration of rotavirus diarrhea was reported to be less than 1.5 days.

Treatment of Medial Canthal Tumor by Rotation Flap

Purpose: To describe the cosmetic outcome after repairing medial canthal defects via glabellar rotation flaps in patients undergoing wide clear margin excision of medial canthal tumour. Study Design: Interventional case series. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Khalid Eye Clinic, Nazimabad, Karachi, from March 2019 to August 2019. Methods: Study approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee. Eleven patients of both genders with clinically suspected medial canthal tumor were included in the study. Patients who underwent previous treatment such as radiation, cryotherapy or surgery were excluded. All surgeries were done to remove the tumor along with surrounding wide clear margins followed by reconstruction of the defect of the medial canthusareawith the help of arotation flap. Patients were followed for a period of up to six months post operatively for any wound related problems or recurrence. All patients were informed about the study and consent was obtained from each of them. Results: All eleven patients of this study were satisfied at the end of the follow-up period with the final cosmetic outcome. Seven out of elevenpatients were males and the remaining four were females, which also highlighted a greater incidence of medial canthal tumors in the male gender. Conclusion: Glabellar rotation flap is a suitable procedurefor themedial canthal area restoration after the tumor excision and can be customizedas per the characteristics of the surrounding skin as well as thesite, dimensions, and profundity of the defect. Key Words: Medial canthal tumor, Glabellar rotation flap, Medial canthus.

A proportional study of contemporary Bio safety rules and Islamic traditions regarding innate privileges of animals

Biosafety is the anticipation of significant forfeiture of biotic reliability, concentrating equally on bionetwork and hominid fitness. Use of animals and plants for experimental purposes is a controversial issue in recent days. Advanced states have constituted its biosafety and bioethical rules for security and survival of animals. Which prohibited unethical use of animals and ill treatment. All academic and research institutions are bound to constitute an ethical review committee which is assigned to review and supervise research activities conducted in institute. Contemporary Bioethical rules are assumed to secure the basic rights of animals. Islam has also set ethical principles for survival and security of animals and assure their innate privileges. Animals are an inordinate sanctification of Allah Almighty, many of our daily necessities are associated with them, and there is no denying the importance of animals in human life. As per Islamic education feeding and proper treatment and shelter are fundamental rights of animals and owner of animals is bound to provide these facilities. Moreover, cursing, beating, teasing and unnecessarily slaughter of animals is disliked. Major difference between contemporary bioethical rules regarding animal rights and Islamic teachings is use of animal for food purposes.